Learn about the statue dedicated to prostitutes in Amsterdam
In the square of the old church or Oudekerksplein in the red (de Vallen) district in the Dutch capital (Amsterdam), a bronze statue of a prominent woman in short clothes and high-heeled shoes stands on a group of small steps, which is the statue that is the first and only monument in the dedicated world For women engaged in prostitution, which bears the name Belle or (Belle).
This bronze statue, the only bronze statue in the world, was erected in honor of sex workers around the world in 2007 near the old church in Amsterdam's red district. Photo: Shubert Ciencia/Flickr
A statue of Belle stands erect in Amsterdam's "redlight district" as a tribute to female prostitutes
The Netherlands is one of the few countries in the world that regulates and legitimizes prostitution, as workers in this field are required to undergo health checks regularly and at government expense, and owners of these houses are also required to obtain health certificates before they can hire girls or rent rooms.
The red district or what is known as the “red district” in Amsterdam
De Valen Square is the largest and best area specialized in this field in the city of (Amsterdam), as it spreads in a network of alleys and contains nearly three hundred rooms rented by female workers in this field. And those who offer their sexual services from behind a window or a glass door, and usually the name Kamers is given to these rooms lit up in red, and they are the most common type in this area of (Amsterdam), which is a major tourist attraction.
The red district or what is known as the “red district” in Amsterdam
The Belle sculpture was conceived by Mariska Majoor, founder of the Prostitution Information Center and former sex worker. She was 16 when she was drawn into the world of prostitution and did not consider it demeaning to some people. It was a real job for her, and it also brought her good financial gains, so she did not realize that other people did not view sex as a “normal” thing as she considered it.
Belle statue
In 1993, a bronze sculpture of a hand holding a female breast by an unknown artist was placed in the street where the Belle statue stands.
Mariska stopped working in 1994 and then opened the Information Center to educate the public about sex work in order to reduce the stigma against sex workers. Today, the center organizes many tours in the red area, and conducts lectures and shows about prostitution and issues related to sex work, which are attended and attended by many tourists and students.
A bronze relief near the old church, created and placed by an unknown artist who left many other bronze sculptures around Amsterdam - Photo: Stacey B/Wikimedia
In 2007, Mariska commissioned artist Els Rijerse to make the statue Belle, with the aim of showing respect for the millions of women around the world who work in this field to secure their livelihood. This statue was unveiled, which included the phrase: “Respect sex workers all over the world.” As part of the activities of the annual opening day of the Red Zone.
De Wallen Square in Amsterdam - Photo: Rungbachduong/Wikimedia
In 1993, a bronze sculpture of a hand holding a female breast by an unknown artist was placed in the street where the Belle statue stands.
Amsterdam's red district, or the red-light district. Photo: Or Hiltch/Flickr
Would you change your opinion about the profession of prostitution if you knew that the women who work in it do so out of their desperate need for money and to make ends meet?
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